How to Check Your Screen Time on PS4: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to know how much time you’ve spent conquering digital worlds, exploring vast landscapes, or battling it out with friends on your PlayStation 4? Tracking your screen time on the PS4 is a straightforward process, allowing you to monitor your gaming habits and make informed decisions about your playtime. Here’s how you do it:

The primary method for checking your playtime on PS4 involves utilizing the Parental Controls/Family Management settings. This feature, while designed for parents to monitor their children’s gaming activity, also allows adult account holders to track their own playtime. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to your PlayStation account. Ensure you’re using the account for which you want to check the playtime.

2. Navigate to Settings. From the PS4 home screen, scroll to the right to find the “Settings” icon.

3. Select Parental Controls/Family Management. Within the Settings menu, locate and select “Parental Controls/Family Management”.

4. Choose Family Management. In the Parental Controls/Family Management menu, select “Family Management”. You might be prompted to re-enter your account password for security purposes.

5. Select Your Account. You should see a list of accounts associated with your PS4 system. Select your own account.

6. Find “Playtime for Today” or a similar option. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your system software version, but look for an option related to playtime or screen time limits. It might be labeled as “Play Time for Today,” or simply show your logged playtime.

This area displays the amount of time the selected account has spent playing games on the PS4 for the current day. It might not provide a comprehensive history of all your playtime across all games, but it gives you a clear snapshot of your daily gaming activity.

While the PS4 provides some internal tracking, it’s not as granular as dedicated time-tracking apps. Many games also have their own built-in playtime trackers that offer more detailed information about individual game sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS4 Screen Time

1. Does the PS4 track playtime for individual games?

Yes, but the method isn’t universal across all games. Some games, like Fortnite, have in-game stats sections where you can view your playtime. To check in Fortnite, navigate to the “Career” tab within the game’s menu. For other games, you might need to check within the game’s settings or stats menu. Not all PS4 games have this feature, though.

2. Can I set time limits for my own account on the PS4?

Absolutely. Even if you’re not setting parental controls for a child’s account, you can use the Family Management features to set daily playtime limits for your own account. This can be a helpful tool for managing your gaming habits and preventing excessive screen time.

3. How accurate is the PS4’s playtime tracking?

The PS4‘s internal tracking is generally accurate for the time the console is actively in use. However, it might not capture time spent in certain apps or menus outside of gameplay. Individual game trackers are typically more accurate for specific games.

4. Is there a way to see my total playtime across all PS4 games?

Unfortunately, the PS4 doesn’t offer a single consolidated view of total playtime across all games. You’ll have to check playtime within individual games or rely on the daily playtime data provided in the Family Management settings. This lack of centralized data is a common frustration among PS4 users.

5. Can I reset the playtime data on my PS4?

No, there is no built-in function to reset the playtime data displayed in the Family Management settings. The data is generally cumulative and reflects your actual usage of the console. However, you might be able to reset game-specific playtime stats within individual games, depending on the game’s features.

6. What is the difference between a Master Account and a Sub Account on PS4?

The Master Account is the main account on the PS4, typically used by the adult household member. It has full control over the console’s settings, including parental controls and purchase restrictions. Sub Accounts (also known as Child Accounts) are linked to the Master Account and are designed for younger users. They have restricted access based on the parental controls set by the Master Account.

7. What age is considered a child account on PS4?

PS4 considers anyone under the age of 18 to need a child account. This ensures that appropriate parental controls can be applied to protect younger users from inappropriate content and manage their playtime. These controls can be managed using the Family Management settings on the PS4.

8. How do I set parental controls on my PS4?

To set parental controls, go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Family Management. Select the child account you want to manage, and you can set restrictions on game content, spending limits, communication features, and playtime.

9. What is the Level 9 parental control setting on PS4?

The Level 9 parental control setting on PS4 is the least restrictive level, allowing access to games rated for ages 18 and older. The lower the level number, the stricter the controls, limiting access to games with lower age ratings.

10. Can I monitor my child’s online activity on PS4?

Yes, through the Family Management settings, you can monitor and restrict your child’s online activity, including who they can communicate with and what content they can access. You can also set restrictions on their ability to share content or participate in online multiplayer games.

11. What happens if the PS4’s internal clock battery dies?

If the PS4‘s internal clock battery dies, you may encounter issues with playing digital games, especially those that require an accurate time and date for license verification. Additionally, trophy timestamps might be affected. It’s advisable to replace the battery to avoid these problems.

12. How long will Sony continue to support the PS4?

Sony has indicated that it will continue to support the PS4 until at least 2025. While the focus is shifting towards the PS5, Sony recognizes the large user base still using the PS4 and plans to continue releasing games and providing support for the console.

13. Is it safe to leave my PS4 in Rest Mode overnight?

Yes, it is generally safe to leave your PS4 in Rest Mode overnight. Rest Mode allows the console to download updates, charge controllers, and quickly resume games. However, ensure that your PS4 has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.

14. How can I prevent my PS4 from overheating?

To prevent your PS4 from overheating, ensure that it is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Regularly clean the console’s vents to remove dust, and avoid placing it in enclosed spaces like cabinets. Consider investing in a cooling stand if you frequently experience overheating issues.

15. Are there any educational games available on the PS4?

Yes, while the PS4 is primarily known for its entertainment value, there are several educational games available that can help children learn and develop new skills. Games like “Minecraft,” “Lego” titles, and certain simulation games can promote creativity, problem-solving, and learning. You can find more on gaming and learning on the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Understanding and managing your screen time on the PS4 is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of your life. By utilizing the built-in parental control features and being mindful of your gaming habits, you can enjoy your PS4 responsibly and sustainably.